Hardwood Flooring and Humidity

When it comes to extreme low or high humidity, flooring made from wood and/or natural materials generally suffers the most damage. This includes floor types such as: hardwood, bamboo, cork and even laminate.

Trees need water to survive; the exact opposite is true of wood floors. In fact, the combination of water and wood flooring can lead to damage that can cost a fortune to fix. Even a small increase in humidity can cause hardwood flooring to expand. And the terrible part is - the effects may not be noticeable until it's too late.

The Relationship of Wood and Water
First and foremost, it's important you understand the relationship between wood and water. Trees contain vertically-aligned fibers, also known as vessels, that work in similar function to a soda straw. These vessels draw water from the ground and transport it up to the tree's branches. Although these fibers dry up once the wood is cut, they can still absorb water and moisture from the air. This characteristic is the reason floors made with wood materials expand and contract in low humidity and swell in high humidity.

Moisture Content
The durability of hardwood floors is measured by its moisture content; in other words, the amount of water a particular wood can carry. Some types can hold up to 200% of its actual wood weight! Once the wood has been cut, it's dried and typically kept in a room with a 30% humidity level. At this level, most woods are very stable. Any change below or above 30% may cause wood to either shrink or swell.

Acclimation
Preventative measures should be taken before and during the installation process in order to reduce the risk of moisture damage. Letting your floors acclimate (adjust) to your home environment is an essential part of the process. Allowing your wood floors to stabilize will help ensure less floor movement during and after installation.

Acclimation could take anywhere from a few hours to a week, depending on climate and temperature of your home, and the moisture content of the wood. To determine an accurate acclimation length, consult your manufacturer (or manufacturer's guidelines). Most flooring professionals should be able to establish the moisture content of the hardwood upon delivery and let you know how long it will take to acclimate.